Community Impact Report
We are fortunate to have so many amazing community non-profits and partners focused on serving all people within our communities, addressing critical needs like food insecurity, affordable housing, education, workforce development and more.
At Rockford, our vision is “Building a Better World.” Not just better housing or hospitals, industrial plants or schools, but better, stronger, more joyful and connected communities. It has been part of our DNA for decades and is a key measure of our future success.
As with all meaningful work, it starts with people. We are fortunate to have so many amazing community non-profits and partners focused on serving all people within our communities, addressing critical needs like food insecurity, affordable housing, education, workforce development and more. Our 2024 Community Impact Report highlights these great organizations and the important work they do, day in and day out, to serve our communities.
Our work also takes us far and wide across the United States. When we travel, we intentionally seek out opportunities to invest in cities and towns that are new to us. That can mean local trade contractor outreach to support local investment, hard hat tours and job shadows for local students, or food and clothing drives for people in need.
At the end of the day, we are proud of the work we do, but more importantly, the impact we make on people.
Thank you to our amazing community partners and our dedicated team, who generously donate their time and resources to serving others. Together, we are Building a Better World.
ROCKVETS FUNDRAISER + VETERANS DAY CELEBRATION
The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) organization plays a vital role in supporting veterans, active-duty service members and their families, both locally and nationwide. RockVets, our team-led resource group, dedicated its fundraising efforts to the Lakeview VFW post and its members during 2024. The group raised over $1,600 to support services for the Lakeview veteran community and much-needed facility improvements. This post was also honored at Rockford’s annual Veterans Day ceremony, where more than 100 attendees gathered to celebrate the broader veteran community and hear from guest speaker Stacey Roberts, post commander and Army National Guard diesel mechanic.
“ RockVets’ donation directly impacts local veterans in need and brings us closer to completing our commercial kitchen, allowing us to serve our community once again. ”
STACEY ROBERTS
Rockford General Field Superintendent Brent Hillard presents Stacey Roberts with a donation.
ROCKVETS HOLIDAY CARE PACKAGES AT MEIJER
Rockford team members partnered with Meijer to assemble holiday care packages for active-duty service members stationed far from home. This meaningful collaboration offered a special way to honor the sacrifices of our troops and express our heartfelt appreciation and support during the holiday season.
Over 820 packages were sent to 1,640 soldiers.
700,000
CONNECTING THE COMMUNITY TO ART
ArtPrize — a world-renowned art competition and festival — has captivated international audiences for 14 years by connecting art with the community. To kick off the event, Rockford teamed up with ArtPrize and the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel to introduce “David.”
This 35-foot, 200-pound puppet from The Underground Circus in Canada made its U.S. debut on September 13. After scaling the Amway Hotel, David was displayed on one of Rockford’s managed properties throughout ArtPrize, giving visitors a unique chance to step into the role of a puppeteer.
VISITED ARTPRIZE IN 2024
Artist and David’s marionette, Ninon Parent, wiring pieces together.
SULLIVAN FIELD — CHILI-COOK OFF
Grassroots efforts to restore and revitalize Sullivan Field (originally named Valley Field) have come together to give new life to the historical neighborhood jewel. Fans of Valley Field have been leading the effort to preserve the heritage and promote the use of Sullivan (Valley) Field. The vision to create a community-centric space is one of the reasons Rockford was drawn to partner with the City of Grand Rapids to restore the park to its former glory. Team members donned their high-visibility aprons and participated in one of Sullivan Field’s most attended fundraisers, a chili cook-off!
FEEDING AMERICA — CHILI-COOK OFF
More than 44 million people in the U.S. struggle with hunger, including one in five children. Feeding America tackles this challenge through a vast network of food banks and meal programs. To support their work in Grand Rapids, our team hosted a chili and mac ‘n’ cheese cook-off, with all proceeds donated to Feeding America, turning good food into a great cause.
POUNDS OF TRASH WERE REMOVED FROM GRAND RAPIDS’ WEST SIDE BY ROCKFORD TEAM MEMBERS
GRAND RAPIDS COMMUNITY CLEANUP
Sustainability is one of Rockford’s core principles. We annually showcase our commitment to sustainable practices and responsible resource management by actively supporting the West Grand Neighborhood Organization’s Community Clean Up. Working handin-hand with our neighbors, we’ve helped remove thousands of pounds of trash, enhancing the beauty of Grand Rapids.
50+ Rockford volunteers contributed more than 100 hours cleaning up the West Side.
SMOKE AND SAFETY
Rockford holds one priority above all else: ensuring our crews return home safely to their loved ones. Our approach to safety is built on security, simplicity and a deeply ingrained culture of care—it goes far beyond signage, hard hats and safety glasses. Through routine meetings and a carefully crafted communication strategy, we keep safety at the forefront of everything we do. This summer, we honored our team members and trade contractors’ dedication to safety with our Smoke n’ Safety series. Partnering with a local pitmaster, we showed our appreciation by serving lunch at job sites across Michigan.
Dig in! Rockford team members treated countless trade contractors to a catered lunch.
GRAND RAPIDS POLICE DEPARTMENT
At Rockford, safety is at the heart of everything we do. We manage a diverse portfolio of over 270 buildings, including more than 150 commercial properties and more than 800 residential units, making it our top priority to ensure a secure environment for everyone. We couldn’t achieve this without the dedicated support of the Grand Rapids Police Department. Their unwavering commitment helps keep our city safe for those who live, work and play here. In 2024, as a token of our deep appreciation, our team began a new tradition of treating officers to a meal—a small gesture to acknowledge the significant role they play in protecting and enriching our community.
“ We are very grateful for the ongoing support of Rockford, especially for our patrol officers who are out in the community every day. Making them feel valued and appreciated means a great deal to them, and that means a great deal to me.”
CHIEF WINSTROM
GRAND RAPIDS POLICE DEPARTMENT
Team members helped Hospice prep for an auction during the annual Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer and Food Festival.
HOSPICE OF MICHIGAN
Known for its mission to ensure that no one faces the end of life alone, Hospice of Michigan brings comfort and support to thousands of patients and families each year. Michigan’s largest not-for-profit hospice delivers medical care, caregiver support, grief resources and spiritual assistance to anyone in need, regardless of financial means. The Rockford team assisted with various activities in preparation for an important upcoming fundraising event, as well as a number of administrative tasks, from packing goodie bags to crafting patient cards. While the tasks were simple, they were deeply meaningful in supporting an organization that, in turn, supports so many, and ensures that Hospice of Michigan’s care can reach even more families.
SERVE MY CITY
The Serve My City event is an annual Ocean Church initiative intending to serve the greater Estero, FL, community and beyond. Members of the Rockford team assisted in a special African Vision of Hope effort, which involved braceletmaking for over 200 school-aged girls, creating handwritten cards and arranging care packages for those living in extreme poverty in Zambia. Team members also assembled “Bundles of Hope” care packages for the local homeless community that included necessities and toiletry items.
SCHOOL-AGED GIRLS RECEIVE A CUSTOMIZED BRACELET, IN ZAMBIA
FAMILY PROMISE
For more than 25 years, Family Promise has been dedicated to ending homelessness by providing emergency shelter and essential resources to families in the Grand Rapids area. Through a range of programs designed to help families secure housing and build lasting independence, they have assisted more than 4,000 families. In 2024, several Rockford teams joined the effort, volunteering to prepare mobile homes for families in need. Their work—ranging from general clean-up and caulking to painting, lighting installation and more— helped create safe, stable spaces for families to call home.
Packing sack suppers for local youth is an impactful way to help Kids’ Food Basket continue its mission.
669,502
MEALS SERVED TO THE COMMUNITY BY KIDS’ FOOD BASKET
KIDS’ FOOD BASKET
Kids’ Food Basket is committed to nourishing children and increasing access to healthy food for families in need. In 2024, over 20 of our team members packed sack suppers and holiday break packs, contributing to the 669,502 meals served and over 206,000 servings of produce distributed since July. Serving more than 8,800 children across four counties, Kids’ Food Basket works to ensure every child has the nourishment needed to thrive.
CAMP HENRY
Camp Henry’s mission is to create life-changing experiences for everyone. Since 1937, Camp Henry has welcomed campers, students, families and guests into a beautiful natural setting where intentional programming encourages trying new things and being inspired by positive Christian role models. Some facilities have naturally experienced the wear and tear from both enthusiastic campers and Michigan’s four seasons, and several team members recently spent the day at Camp Henry making improvements to enhance the overall camper experience.
UNITED WAY — BOOK DRIVE
In March 2024, our Detroit team enthusiastically participated in United Way’s annual book drive, contributing a generous collection of books to support children’s literacy. United Way for Southeastern Michigan is dedicated to advancing equitable communities where all households are stable and every child has access to opportunity. Through donating books, we aim to support their mission and equip children with the resources they need to succeed.
SIBLEY ELEMENTARY
For more than a decade, Rockford has built a strong connection with Sibley Elementary, just a few blocks from our Grand Rapids office. From school supply drives to fundraisers and holiday celebrations, we’ve partnered with Sibley on a range of initiatives, fostering a lasting bond with the students and staff.
RECESS VOLUNTEERING
Rain or shine, Rockford’s Safety and Equipment teams are there to chaperone recess. Each month, they enjoy the opportunity to engage with the next generation of community leaders and provide teachers a welldeserved break. Whether playing catch, hide and seek, basketball, soccer, assisting with activities or simply spending time with the kids, the team loves creating a fun and supportive environment for students to thrive.
TRICK OR TREAT
Rockford team members joined in Sibley’s annual trick-or-treat parade, handing out candy as students paraded through the West Side neighborhood, bringing Halloween spirit to the community.
MICHIGAN VS. MICHIGAN STATE
The classic Michigan vs. Michigan State rivalry took on a new meaning as our team rallied behind their schools to raise funds for Sibley’s Shopping for the Holiday Store. Through some friendly competition, we raised over $800, helping ensure students and families had access to gifts and essentials for the season.
Over $800 was raised for Sibley’s Shopping for the Holiday Store
CELEBRATING READING MONTH
In celebration of Reading Month, several Rockford team members volunteered their time at local school districts, reading to children and encouraging a love of literacy in March. Their efforts helped promote the importance of reading during this dedicated month, aiming to inspire young minds and foster a lifelong passion for books. By engaging directly with students, we were proud to support literacy initiatives that will help set the foundation for their academic success.
Rockford Safety team member walks children through a stretch and flex routine before reading.
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION
The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) Grand Rapids chapter is dedicated to supporting and advancing women in the construction industry by providing networking opportunities, education and advocacy. During Women in Construction Week, several women from Rockford attended NAWIC’s annual luncheon to show their support for the organization’s mission. The luncheon celebrated the achievements of women in the field while encouraging the continued growth of female leadership within the construction industry.
WOMEN BUILT
Rockford is proud to support and empower women in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry. Team members participated in the third-ever Women Built event, joining a growing community of organizations dedicated to elevating and celebrating women in design and construction. The event offered a unique opportunity to connect, collaborate and learn from others in the field, while also showcasing the inspiring story of ‘The House That She Built,’ a groundbreaking initiative reshaping the role of women in the construction industry.
OF ROCKFORD’S TEAM ARE WOMEN; INDUSTRY AVERAGE IS 11%
HANDS-ON LEARNING THROUGH SITE VISITS
As Rockford continues to champion workforce development in the construction industry, we actively seek partnerships that will make a positive impact on the future. Established in 2021, West Michigan Construction Institute (WMCI) is dedicated to providing pathways into the construction field through diverse training opportunities and specialized programs aimed at addressing Michigan’s trade workforce shortage.
Rockford is proud to partner with WMCI and was excited to host students on a job site, offering them valuable hands-on learning experiences. Rockford team member and WMCI instructor Stacy Templeman brought students to Amplify GR’s HUB 07 for a day of engaging activities, giving them a chance to connect classroom learning with real-world construction skills.
WMCI CONSTRUCTION RALLY
WMCI’s annual Construction Rally brings together teams of general and trade contractors for a day of friendly competition in skilled trade games, all while raising funds for workforce development initiatives. The event combines fun, teamwork and fundraising, offering participants a unique way to showcase their skills and support the mission of WMCI. It’s an exciting opportunity for industry professionals to connect, compete and contribute to closing the skilled trade gap in Michigan.
Rockford’s self-perform team participated in the Construction Rally!
MI CAREER QUEST
Each year, 8th–10th grade students from around Michigan gather to learn about various career opportunities, from healthcare to construction. This year, Rockford provided students with immersive, handson experiences, allowing them to use basic power tools and even ride a lift! For many students, the event is their first exposure to high-demand industries, engaging them in a wealth of career possibilities within our communities.
GVSU STUDENTS VISIT FIRST CUT
Rockford partnered with students from Grand Valley State University’s Occupational Safety and Health Management Program. The students applied what they’ve learned in the classroom by helping us assess noise levels in various areas of the First Cut Millwork workshop. Their feedback provides valuable insights to help us identify potential hazards and make informed decisions about the best ways to protect our team members’ hearing and overall health. It’s a great example of how workforce development partnerships can come together to create a safer, healthier workplace for everyone.
ENGAGING THE NEXT GENERATION
ACE Mentor Program of America is a nationwide program that helps assist and guide high school students and young people as they pursue career pathways in architecture, engineering, construction and related industries. With the goal of building a large, diverse and betterprepared workforce, students from the Western Michigan chapter are mentored weekly by members of the Rockford team to discover and develop new skills through hands-on industry experiences.
CHRISTMAS TREE INSTALLATION
To help spread holiday cheer throughout downtown Grand Rapids, Rockford played a key role in installing the city’s Christmas tree in Rosa Parks Circle. In early December, the 36-foot concolor fir, harvested from Indian Trails Golf Course, was set up and adorned with over 50,000 LED lights. As part of the annual festivities, the tree lighting ceremony helped kick off the holiday season with a sense of warmth and celebration, bringing together residents and visitors to enjoy the festive atmosphere.
ADAMS PARK FOOD DISTRIBUTION
Rockford’s Property Management team, in collaboration with Amplify GR, assisted with food and furniture distribution at Adams Park Apartments, a residence serving seniors and individuals with disabilities. Team members set up food stations, moved furniture and helped distribute essential food items, working to address food and household insecurity in the community.
FOSTERING NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION
Life Remodeled is dedicated to fostering lasting neighborhood revitalization in Detroit by transforming vacant properties into vibrant community hubs. These hubs offer accessible services such as youth programming, workforce development and health services, creating environments where families can thrive. During the annual Six Day Project (6DP), volunteers, including the Rockford team, came together to clear blight and beautify neighborhoods. This year, over 5,000 volunteers cleared 1,100 cubic yards of trash and 990 cubic yards of brush from 283 blocks, recycling 353 tires in the process. Since 2014, Life Remodeled has invested $43.5 million into Detroit neighborhoods, engaging over 86,000 volunteers and beautifying 2,652 blocks.
“ There’s no way Life Remodeled would be able to continue making an impact in Detroit neighborhoods without corporate partners like Rockford Construction rolling up their sleeves to take a hands-on role in our mission! ”
BROOKE ADAMS
RUN ROCKFORD RUN 5K
During the summer of 2024, Rockford hosted the third annual Run Rockford Run 5K at Millennium Park in Grand Rapids, MI. Team members and their families joined in, running and walking for wellness. Several wellness packages were raffled off, with all proceeds benefiting Special Olympics Michigan. Rockford continues to prioritize the emotional, mental and physical well-being of our team members and their families by offering various programs and events that encourage overall health and wellness.
TEAM MEMBERS AND THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS PARTICIPATED IN 2024
CONSTRUCTION ALLIES IN ACTION
The Construction Allies in Action (CAIA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering underrepresented contractors by providing the resources, education and connections needed to thrive in the construction industry.
CAIA fosters community through networking events and maintaining an up-to-date directory of local underrepresented trade contractors. The organization is guided by a volunteer board composed of industry professionals, including Rockford, which actively participates on the board and has contributed by teaching an online construction accounting module for new trade contractors.
BLOOD DRIVE WITH VERSITI
Donating blood plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of our communities. In line with Rockford’s ongoing commitment to promoting wellness in the places we live, work and play, we partnered with Versiti to host a blood drive at our Grand Rapids office. Rockford team members and local residents came together to donate, contributing 20 units of blood—potentially saving up to 60 lives.
LIVES SAVED THROUGH BLOOD DONATIONS GIVEN BY ROCKFORD TEAM MEMBERS
COMMUNITY
IMPACT COMMITTEE
JENNIFER BOEZWINKLE
CHIEF STRATEGY
COMMUNITY CHAIR
WHITNEY KUTCHER
CLIENT RELATIONS MANAGER
MONICA STEIMLE-APP SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT
DANIELLE O’BRIEN
ASSISTANT PROJECT MANAGER
JESSI STERK
CHIEF HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICER
JANELLE REYERS
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
FIRST LAST TITLE
ROCKFORD CARES TEAM
STACY TEMPELMAN
DAVID TURNER KELSEY JUERGENS
KENDRA ALBRECHT
JOEL KOZLOWICZ
SAVANNAH GRODZICKI
ERIC VANHOLSTYN
ASHLEY BADDER
BRITTYN BUTLER
NICK TRAPP
ANGELINA DENSHAM
Supported Organizations
A Kid Again Michigan
Association of Builders and Contractors
ABC Florida Gulf Coast Chapter
ABC Western Michigan
ACE Mentor Program of West MI
African Vision of Hope
AIA Detroit
AIA Grand Rapids
American Bar Foundation
American Heart Association
Amplify GR
Armed Forces Thanksgiving
ArtPrize
Beacon Hill Foundation
Birmingham Education Foundation
Boston Square Neighborhood
Boys & Girls Club
Caledonia Baseball Softball League (CBSL)
Caledonia Education Foundation
Camp Henry
Cape Coral Construction Industry Association
Cathedral of Saint Andrew
Catholic Central High School
Catholic Foundation of West MI
Cherry Health Foundation
City of Grand Rapids
City of Walker
Construction Allies in Action
Corewell Health Foundation
CREW Detroit
CREW West Michigan
Darren L. Gort Memorial Foundation
Davenport University
Destination Kent
Detroit Public Schools Community District Foundation
Down Syndrome Association
Downtown Grand Rapids Inc
Eastern Michigan University
Economic Club of Grand Rapids
Elks National Foundation, Inc.
Engineering Society of Detroit
Family Promise of Grand Rapids
Feeding America
Ferris Foundation
Friends of Grand Rapids Parks
Friends of Valley Field
Gift of Hope Community Foundation
Grand Rapids Chamber
Grand Rapids Christian Schools
Grand Rapids Housing Commission
Grand Rapids Media Initiative & Film Incubator
Grand Rapids Police Department
Grand Rapids Public Schools
Grand Valley State University Foundation
In addition to our team’s volunteer efforts, Rockford is proud to support a variety of organizations through sponsorships, donations and gifts-in-kind.
Chamber of Greater Fort Myers
GVSU Occupational Health Students
Hand2Hand
Hospice of Michigan
ICCF Community Homes
Inforum
International Facilities Management
John Ball Zoo
Junior Achievement
Kent County Parks Foundation
Kids Food Basket
Lakeview VFW
Lee Building Industry Association
Life Remodeled
Local First
Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation
Mel Trotter Ministries
Mexican Heritage Association
MI Career Quest
Michigan Crossroads Council
Michigan State University
Michigan Women Forward
Mitten Foundation, Inc.
Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber
National Association of Women in Construction #194
Northview Education Foundation
One Hundred in 100
Other Way Ministries
Paws with a Cause
Pershing High School
Saint Mary’s Foundation
Sanibel-Captiva Chamber of Commerce
Sibley Elementary School
Other Way Ministries
Special Olympics of Michigan
Steepletown Neighborhood
TalentFirst
The Economic Club of Grand Rapids
The Potter’s House
Thrive and Prosper
Townline Elementary
Trinity Health
UM Health West Foundation
United Way
VanAndel Institute
Versiti
West Catholic High School
West Grand Neighborhood Organization
West Michigan Asian American Association
West Michigan Construction Institute
West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
West Michigan Minority Contractors
West Michigan Works!
West Point Parents Club of Michigan
West Walker Sportsman Club
WMCAT
Women’s Resource Center
YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids
YouthBuild
1,241 RECORDED HOURS OF SERVICE
Each year, Rockford offers every team member a day of paid time off to volunteer and work for organizations and causes that are close to their hearts. With 380 caring team members, they’ve donated nearly one full year of service.